I am allergic to nuts, can I eat coconut?
-
Hello, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies coconut as a tree nut. Coconuts are most closely related to other palm and betel nuts. This type of relationship isn't the only factor that determines whether two foods will be cross-reactive. Close relatives, though, often have related allergenic proteins. I am allergic to nuts, every time I eat nuts I get swelling all over my face. I never had coconut in any form. Should I avoid eating coconut if I am allergic to nuts? If I am allergic to nuts does it mean that I am allergic to coconut as well? Please suggest what should I do?
-
@gisha Hello, my recommendation would be you should talk to your doctor about what foods to avoid. Coconut isn’t a nut, but some people are who are allergic to nuts are also allergic to tree nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are also allergic to coconut. But others are not. Cross-reactivity is when you are allergic to two or more different substances that contain similar allergenic proteins. Cashews and pistachios, for example, are closely related. They also contain similar proteins. So talk to your doctor to see if coconut is OK for you. Till then avoid coconut. Thanks!